Five Times Haggling is Likely to Pay

Following in the spirit of my post titled Six Times It's Easy to Ask for a Discount, Smart Money has a piece on five times haggling is likely to pay. Here's their list as well as how you can save in each area:

1. Medical bills

• Doctors, labs and other medical providers are often willing to negotiate, with both uninsured patients and those whose insurance only covers a portion of their health expenses.

• Pay cash upfront. Doctors may offer you the same low rate that they charge insurance companies, if not an even cheaper fee if you agree to pay them at the time of the appointment.

• Compare costs. Check your provider's rates against those of other doctors in the area.

2. Retail stores

• Point out flaws. Floor models, sale items and products with visible damage (like a scuff or missing button) are ripe for discounts.

• Be flexible. Substantial flat-out discounts aren't always possible, so ask about extras such as free shipping or an extended warranty.

3. Cars

• Incite dealer competition. If you're buying a new car, collect quotes from local dealers.

• Assess market value. Buyers should use sites like Kelley and Edmunds to estimate the used car's value, then talk up the factors they don't like (i.e., not the ideal color, too many miles) to work down the price.

4. Financial aid

• Leverage competing offers.

• Ask for a reassessment if you encounter financial hardship.

5. Tag sales

• Go late. Early on in a sale, vendors have little incentive to haggle.

• Bring small bills. Exact change makes it easier to enforce your maximum price.

Here are a few thoughts from me:

1. Overall, good ideas/tips.

2. Many of the suggestions are the same or similar to those I listed in Six Times It's Easy to Ask for a Discount.

3. For details on how to save a bundle on a car purchase, check out Buying a Car Using the Web.

4. For a larger list of how to save money (as well as how to earn more), read How to Make Money and Save Money.

5. #5 is hit and miss. Yeah, if you go late you can likely get a great deal, but oftentimes there's nothing left that you want.